Disaster Assistance Simplification Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Sep 2022): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 505.
What this bill does
The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a unified, web-based system called DisasterAssistance.gov. This system would allow individuals and organizations seeking disaster aid to submit a single application for various forms of federal assistance. It aims to streamline the application process, ensure quicker and more equitable aid delivery, and help prevent waste and fraud.
DisasterAssistance.gov would also enable applicants to track their application status and update information throughout their recovery. Additionally, it would provide survivors with information on available recovery resources. Before launching, FEMA must ensure the website meets specific data security and privacy standards. Federal agencies providing disaster assistance would need to be certified by FEMA and agree to terms outlined in a public agreement.
This bill, S. 4599, was introduced in the Senate and has been ordered reported by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, with an amendment. If it passes the Senate, it would then be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Disaster Assistance Simplification Act
This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a web-based, interagency electronic information system to be known as DisasterAssistance.gov to provide for a universal disaster application across federal agencies.
Specifically, such system shall
• facilitate a consolidated application for any form of disaster assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency;
• carry out the purposes of disaster assistance programs swiftly, efficiently, equitably, and in accordance with specified laws and privacy and data protections; and
• support the detection, prevention, and investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination in the administration of disaster assistance programs.
DisasterAssistance.gov shall permit (1) applicants to receive status updates and update disaster assistance information throughout their recovery, and (2) the distribution of additional recovery resource information to survivors that may be available in a disaster stricken jurisdiction. Further, it shall provide disaster survivors with information and documentation on applications.
FEMA shall facilitate the collection of disaster assistance information into DisasterAssistance.gov only after (1) it certifies that the website substantially complies with specified data security standards and any other applicable federal information security policy, (2) the Department of Homeland Security publishes a privacy impact assessment, and (3) FEMA publishes standard rules of behavior for disaster assistance agencies and personnel to protect information from improper disclosure.
Timeline
27 Sep 2022
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 505.
Common questions
- What does S. 4599 do?
- The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a unified, web-based system called DisasterAssistance.gov. This system would allow individuals and organizations seeking disaster aid to submit a single application for various forms of federal assistance. It aims to streamline the application process, ensure quicker and more equitable aid delivery, and help prevent waste and fraud. DisasterAssistance.gov would also enable applicants to track their application status and update information throughout their recovery. Additionally, it would provide survivors with information on available recovery resources. Before launching, FEMA must ensure the website meets specific data security and privacy standards. Federal agencies providing disaster assistance would need to be certified by FEMA and agree to terms outlined in a public agreement. This bill, S. 4599, was introduced in the Senate and has been ordered reported by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, with an amendment. If it passes the Senate, it would then be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Has S. 4599 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4599. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4599?
- S. 4599 was sponsored by Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] (D-MI), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 4599?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 505. (27 Sep 2022).
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